Sawmill machinery



June 22 1926.

F. E. MARTIN SAWMILL MACHINERY Filed Nov. 25, 1921 8 Sheets-Sheet 1 j, Marlin,

June 22 1926.

F. E. MARTIN SAWMILL MACHINERY Filed Nov. 25, 1921 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 F. E. MARTIN SAWMILL MACHINERY Fi led Nov. 25, 1921 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 June 22 1926.

June 22 1926.

F. E. MARTlN SAWMILL MACHI NERY Filed NOV. 25. 1921 {in nllllllllllllllllllilllllllllllllllfilil 1m 5 0 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 611102 vwla June 22 1926.

F. E. MARTIN SAWMILL MACHINERY Filed Nov. 25, 1921 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 Maw/we June 22 1926.

. 1,590,105 F. E. MARTIN Filed NOV. 25 1921 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 I June 22 1926. 1,590,105

F. E. MARTIN SAWMILL MACHINERY v Filed Nov. 25, 1921 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 gnve'ntoz June 22,1926. 1,590,105

F. E. MARTIN SAWMILL MACHINERY 1 Filed NOV. 25. 1921 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 Patented has a2, 1926,

, .UNITEDSTATES PATENT OFFICE.

FREDERICK EDWARD MARTIN, F WEED, CALIFORNIA, ASSIGNOR TO MARTIN AIR-DOG COMPANY, OF SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, A CORPORATION OF CALIFORNIA.

SAWMILL nacnmnmr.

Application filed li'ovember 25, 1921. Serial No. 517,647.

This invention relates to'saw-mill machinery, particularly to the means employed for conveniently and effectively dogging a log and securely holding same on the carriage.

In common practice in 0 crating a sawmill, a dogger is stationed adjacent each knee to manipulate the dogs, and a setter on the carriage operates the setting mechanism, thus the combined efforts of the doggcrs and setter are required to properly set and dog a log. In practice it has not been heretofore feasible to dispense with the'doggcrs. and arrange the mechanism so that a single operator could actuate the setting mechanism and throw the dogs into and out of action, as no means has been devised tocontrol the dogs to permit of the selection of any group and at the same time allow the attendant to individually operate the dogs before or after their selection.

One of the principal objects of my invention is to provide what will be hereinafter termed a unit control .for a saw-mill carriage, so arranged and disposed that one operator on the carriage can accurately and quickly control and operate the usual setting mechanism and select and operate the dogs to properly set and dog a log, to lessen the labor and decrease the cost of the work, and improve the product.

The unit control as I have devised it, is so arranged that while the log is being sawed, or the carriage is being returned, an operator can with ease and convenience select and set various controlling devices to actuate the dogs and other devices to beused in the next succeeding cut of a log, whereby to increase production and reduce the numher of attendants on a carriage.

'lhereforc, one of the objects of this invention is to provide a selective mechanism forming part of a unit control. whereb at the will of an operator, during the-perio the carriage is in movement, dog setting mechani'sm can be set so that by the time the carriage and the log are positioned for the next sawing operation, the operator has to but actuate an operating'element and the selected dogs are projected without the usual loss of time, and sawing can be immediately proceeded with.

in saw, sawdust chips, eta, accumulate on the knee block adjacent the knees and in time it materially interferes with the proper pneumatic means, under control of the operator. and forming part of the unit control, to blow this accumulation away from the knee blocks and keep the same clean.

A further object of this invention is to provide fluid pressure means, actuated by. and forming part of, the unit control, to project the dogs-at the discretion of, and at the will of, an operator, who also attends to the set works on the carriage.

Another object of this invention is to provide flexibly mount-ed dogs to co-operate with other dogs to engage the under side of a log and prevent it slipping endwise or otherwise on the carriage, these dogs being controlled and operated by devices included in the unit control.

It is of the utmost importance in sawing, particularly when handling large logs,'that the dogs be driven into the wood at a great depth to extend through the bark to obtain sufficient grip to hold the log. This action, however, is detrimental when a log has been cut and a sawed surface is presented to the dogs, as the deep bite neces sary to go through the bark pulls away a portion of the Wood and mars the surface of the subsequent board out from the log. To overcome this objection, and at the same time afi'ord suflicient grip of the dogs and prevent them extending over the saw line when cutting a thin board, I have provided mechanism for making a partial stroke of the boss dogs, this mechanism also being under control of and actuated by devices included in the unit control.

It is essential that means be provided on a saw-mill carriage to accommodate the operator, and to provide bracing means to enable him to resist the sudden change in movement when the carriage is reciprocated. To meet this condition, and as forming a part of my invention, 1 have provided as a part of the unit coutroi pedals ar ranged convenient to the seat. so as to aceommodate the feet of the operator. These pedals are arranged to perform a dual function. in' that the operator braces himself thereon when movement of the carriage is reversed, and they are so connected as to be utilized in operating the various dogs and therefore they are included in and form a part of the unit control. p

A still further object of this invention is to provide in the unit control. and forming a part of same, mechanism to permit an operator to select a group of dogs for act-ion and lock out the othersto prevent accidental operation, and so arrange the mechanism that irrespective of the group selection after operation, either or any of the dogs can be individually o 'ierated.

The invention also eomprehends improvements in the details of construction and arrangement of parts which will he herein after described.

In the accompanying drawings- Figure l is a top plan view of a saw-mill carriage illustrating the application of my improvements. the carriage and set works per se being but conventionally shown;

Figure 2 is a side elevation of the same, parts in rear of the knee being omitted for the sake of clearness;

Figure 3 is a detail perspective view of one-of the knees and its associated parts:

Figure 4 is a side elevation of one of the hook dogs, the parts being illustrated in full lines after a full stroke is made and a log'has been drawn up to a knee, and in dotted lines at the time the spike of the dog first struck the log. The lower dotted position of the hook in this figure indicates the extreme position of said hook had no log been on the carriage;

Figure 5 is a detail perspective view of the essential part of the unit control mechanism;

Figure 6 is an enlarged detail perspective view of a portion of the mechanism shown in Figure 5, and looking from the opposite end;

Figures 7 and 8 are enlarged detail views of the means employed to obtain lost motion in the unit control to permit operation of certain dogs;

Figure 9 is a diagram, in section, illustrating the position of the parts of the unitcontrol when ready to operate a valve, the interponent being in dotted line position to indicate how a valve can be locked out; of action;

Figure 10 isa similar view. the parts being positioned to make a partial stroke of the boss dog valve;

Figure 11 is a similar view, the parts being in position when an operator is individually actuating one of the valves in a group previously operated;

Figure 12 is a detail perspective view of a portion of a modified form of the unit control shown in Figure 5;

Figure 13 is a detail section of the boss dog control means of the mechanism shown in Figure 12;

Figure 14 is a detail view of a further modified form of the mechanism shown in Figure 5;

Figures 15 and 16 are diagrammatic sections oi. the form of the invention shown in Figure 14;

Figure 17 is a detail perspective view of the flexible or linked dogs and frame:

Figure 18 is a detail cross section of same;

Figure 19 is a detail perspective view of one of the link dogs:

Figure 20 is a detail side elevation of same;

Figure 21 is a longitudinal section of the boss dog control alve when in normal or inoperative position;

Figure 22 is a similar view but illustrating the position of the valve to make a partial stroke of the boss dogs;

Figure 23 is a similar view, but the valve is positioned to wholly project the boss dog;

Figures 24, 25 and 26 indicate similar sections. of one of the valves employed in controlling the other dogs, the three views representing the three positions of said valve when a boss dog valve is operated as shown in Figures 21, 22 and 23;

Figure 27 is a diagram of the various valves and their connections with the dogs;

Figure 28 is a diagrammatic view illustrating an electric means for operating the boss dogs at a point remote from the carriage, but including my invention.

In the drawings and description, two knees and hook dogs, and a single arrangement of dogs for engaging the underside of a log, are shown and described. This. however. is in no way to be construed as a limitation, as it is evident as many knees and dogs may be employed as found desirable,

this depending upon the length of the car -r1age and the character and size of logs to be sawed.

In the description of the movement of the bossdogs, l have employed the terms wholly projected and partial stroke which are to mean that-when the boss dogs are wholly projected they extend out from the knees their full limit of movement to take deep bites in a log; while partial stroke is a predetermined point between the knees and the extreme limit of movement of the dogs. In other words, the description of the movements of these dogs must not be construed to mean that they may be projected at random distances determined by the will of the operator.

ln-the accompanying drawings, 1 indicates a saw-m ll carriage of usual construe tion, provided with head blocks 2, knees 3, and saw-setting mechanism controlled by mechanism conventionally indicated at 4. These features form specifically no part of my present invention and are merely shown to illustrate the application of my improvements. It will, however. be necessary to describe somewhat in detail several of those old features to aid in understanding the operation of my invention.

Each knee, is provided with a set of boss dogs 5, pivoted at (3. and connected by links 7. To the links 7, links 8 are pivoted, and at the upper ends, said links are connected to a rocking lever 9, pivoted at 10, as shown conventionally in Figure 27. Through these connections, when the lever S) is actuated the -two sets of dogs 5 are reversely operated to bite into a log in the usual fashion.

Extending from each knee is a support 11, and to the latter is pivotally mounted a cylinder 12, provided with three ports 13, 14 and 15. Operating in the cylinder is a piston 16, and extending therefrom is a piston rod 17, pivoted at its outer end at 18 to the lever 9.

Pivoted on a bolt l8 extending through.

each knee is a yoke 19, provided with an extension'QO, and to the outer end of thisextension is pivoted at 21, a piston rod 22. The piston rod 22 is provided at its lower end with a piston 23, which reciprocates in a cylinder 24, pivoted at 25 to the'support 11; this cylinder being provided with two ports 26 and 27. Pivoted on each'ofthe pins 21 1s a rocking frame 28, comprising a pair of plates 29'29, suitably bolted to:

gether and provided with adjusting holes 29: To the lower rear end of the frame is pivoted a brace rod 30, which for convenience is pivoted at its lower end on the stud shaft 525, whiclrsupports the cylinder 24. Mounted to rock on the pin 21, between the plates. 29, is a hook dog 33, provided at; its free end with a pointed spike 34. Sup

- ported on a pin 35 on the hookdog is a yoke the knee, while the hook dog is adapted to engage the top surface of the log and subsequently draw said log up to and hold it snug against the knee and into intimate contact relation with the boss dogs. It has, however, been found advisable, particularly when sawing large logs, to dog the under side of the latter to absolutel reclude the possibility of lengthwise displacement of the log during the sawing operation. As part of my invention I provide dogs for this purpose, as well as mechanism to operate same, which will now be described.

Extending inwardly on the carriage ata point adjacent one of the knees 3 is a bracket 4i, and fulcrumed on a pinsupported by said bracket is a dogsupporting frame 42, which extends forward to a point to or about the saw-line, and is guided by a pair of ears 42. This frame comprises a pair of plates sharpened on their upper edges at 45 and formed on their inner surfaces with continuous grooves 43, and between the plates is an intermediate partition 44. The forward ends of the plates are provided with raised noses 16, which act in the capacity of auxiliary spikes to assist in bold ing the log when the knees are out toward the front of the carriage. 'lraveling in the grooves 43' are studs 48, of a series of pivotally connected links 49, and to one or more of said links is pivoted a link connection 50, the opposite end of which for convenience is pivoted to the rod 18 which supports the yoke 19 on one of the knees; this link, however, may be geared to the set shaft ifdesired, Extending.upwardly from certain of the links are dogs or spikes 51, adapted to be thrust upwardly at the appropriate time to engage with the lower surface of a log, and for convenience, I will hereafter refer to these dogs as link dogs.

The construction of the flexible link dogs shown more particularly in Figures 17 to 20 isnot claimed in this application, but, aside from the means for controllingthe application of power thereto, is clain'ied-in applicants co-pending application Serial No.- 604,062. I

Below the forward portion of the carriage is mounted a shaft 52. provided at one end with a crank arm 53, pivotally connected at its free end by a pair of links 54, with the frame 42,. The shaft 52 is provided witha second crank arm 55, to which is connected a. piston rod 56, having-a piston 57, operating in a cylinder 58, pivoted to the carriage at58; the cylinder being provided with two ports 59 and 60.

It is customary to mount. on a SiLW-Intll carriage a seat62-for the operator of the setting mechanism, and. because of the ra pidity and violent reciprocal movement of the carriage in operation theroperator must 1 also be suitably braced to prevent him being;

thrown ott- I take advantage of this situation and utilize the braces to not only serveias ameans for holding the operator in position but also as a means: for partially controllingthe doging of a log and aineans to operate certain adjunctive devices. I further arrange within easy reach of the; operatora battery or group of controlling devices, which forms one of the essential features of my unit control. Mounted on a frame 63 are a number of valves arranged in two groups 64 and 65, those of the group 6-1 being alike and those of group 65, while in themselves are alike, differ somewhat from group 64, therefore but one in each group will be specifically. described, although for future reference they are consecutively designated a, b, c, d, c, f, andg.

66 indicates one of the group of cylinders 64, shown in Figures 21, 22 and 23, the cylinder thereof being open at both ends and provided with a fluid pressure inlet port 67, two outlet ports 68 and 69, and an intermediate outlet port 70'. A pressure supply pipe communicates with the air inlet port 67;'a partially flexible pipe 71 communicates with the intermediate port 70, and connects with the bottom port 13, of the boss dog cylinder; a partially fiexibie pipe 72 communicates with port 69 and connects with port 1.) of the boss dog cylinder, and a partially flexible pipe '73 communicates with port 68, and connects with intermediate port 14 of the cylinder 12. Reciprocating in the cylinder 66 is a valve proper 74, the rear end ofwhich is divided by a groove 75, thereby forming two elongated cylindrical portions 76 and 77,- the portion 76 having an exhaust port 76*, which communicates with groove 75. Extending from the cylindrical portion 77, is a reduced stem 78, which terminates in a disc like head 79, from which extends an operating stem 80.

1V hen the valve 74 is in initial or normal position. as shownin Figure 21, pressure is admitted through port 67, and into the space surrounding the stem 78, thence through port 70, to the bottom of the cylinder 12 and the piston is forced up and acts to hold the boss dogs 5 in withdrawn position. lVhen the valve 74 is in this position, the air in the upper end of the cylinder 12 is exhausted through pipe 72 and port 69 to the atmosphere. Vhen the valve is partially withdrawn as shown in Figure 22, pressure enters through port 67 and into the space surrounding the stem 78, thence through poi-669 and pipe 72, to the top of the cylinder 12, the opposite end f the cylinder exhausting througi the ipe 72%. port 66. and out to the atmosp ere through port 76. In this position of the valve the enlarged portion 77 thereof covers the port 71), and the air in the bottom of the cylinder 12 is trapped and thereby forms a cushion, and holds the piston in a partial stroke position, thus but partially projecting the boss dogs and holding them 1n this position. Further movement of the valve, as shown in Figure 23, will cause the port 68 to be covered by the valve portion 76, and port 70 to register with the proper groove 75, and port 69 to register with the space surrounding the stem 78. Hence the pressure will pass through pipe 72 to the top of cylinder 12 and pressure from the bottom of said cylinder will exhaust through pipe 71, to and through ports 70 and 76' to the atmosphere. In this position of the valve the piston, through the connections, will hold the boss dogs in full projected position. In the group of valves, two, a and Z), control the boss dogs and two, 0 and .(l. the hook dogs. '65 indicates one of the group of the valves 65, the cylinder thereof being open at both ends and is provided with a fluid pressure inlet port and two outlet ports 65 and 65, a partially flexible pipe 65 communicates'with port (35 and connects with port 26 in the cylinder 24 and a partially flexible pipe 65 communicates with port 65 and connects with port 27 in the cylinder 24. Reciprocating in the cylinder 65 is a valve comprising two discs 65 and 65 connected by a reduced portion 65 and from the valve projects a stem 65 When one of the groups of valves 65 is in the position shown in Fig. 24 fluid pressure enters port 65 and through port 65 passes to pipe 65 and to the bottom of the cylinder 24 and drives the piston 23 forwardly and therefore holds the hook dog in normal position, air in cylinder 24 being exhausted through port 27, pipe 65, and ports 65 in cylinder 65 to the atmosphere. lVhen the valve is in the position shown in Fig. 25, pressure is admitted through port 65*, thence through port 65 and pipe 65 to the forward end of cylinder 24 which drives the iston 23 toward the bottom of said cylin er, pressure behind the cylinder being exhausted through port 26, pipe65 port 65 in cylinder 65 to the atmosphere. When the valve is in the position shown in Fig. 26, exactly the same action occurs as when the valve is positioned as shown in Fig. 25. As the groups of valves 64 and 65 are at times coupled together, and as group 61 make but a partial stroke in one instance and a full stroke in another instance, it is necessary that provision be Inadefor the introduction of fluid pressure through the group of valves 65 without atfecting the hook dogs when the boss dogs are in partial or full stroke position. Hence, the valves 65 are so proportioned that when set for hook dog operation, the latter, while moved, will not be affected should valves a be coupled'in the control to operate the boss dogs either partial or full stroke. In order to enable an operator to select in the shortest possible time, and if desirable while the saw is sawing a log, which of the dogs, or how many dogs, he desires to use for the next succeeding operation, a selective is provlded.

Connected to the free end of the stem of each of the valves is a pair of spaced bars forming an extension 75*, suitably guided in ways on the frame 63. The outer end of the extension is provided with a finger piece 77*, and on the upper edge of each bar is an abutment 7 8". Hinged on a cross bar 79* of the frame is a limiting bar 80 equal to the width of the group of extensions, and adapted when thrown down on the extensions to co-o erate with the abutments 78* to limit t e movement of the valves in one direction, as shown in Figure 10. Pivoted between the bars is an interponent 81 adapted when thrown in one position, as shown in Figure 9, to act as an abutment for one of a series of arms 82. and when thrown in the opposite direction, as shown in dotted lines in Figure 9, to engage a lock bar 83 to lock the valves out of action.

84 indicates a square shaft mounted below the group of extensions 75*. This shaft carries a series of arms 82, each of which is provided with a hub 86, formed with an opening through which the square portion of the shaft extends. The walls of the opening in the hub are of angular formation, and form central bearing points of contact with the flat surfaces of the shaft, indicated at 87 the walls 88 oppositely inclining from the said surfaces, resulting in the formation of an opening resembling somewhat a star, although this particular shape is not absolutely necessary. The purpose of this construction is to permit of a movement of the arms 82 independently of the move ment of the shaft, and it may be stated that the degree of this movement equals the full degree of movement of the group of valves. When the shaft or an arm is rocked, lost motion takes place before the flat surfaces of the shaft will engage the angular portions of the walls of the opening, but provision is made in the operation of the cooperative parts to take care of this movement. The upper ends of the arms 82 extend up between the spaced bars of the extensions adjacent the ends of the valve stems and the interponents 81, when the latter are thrown in operative position to actuate a valve or valves, as shown in Figure 9. A rod 90 is disposed below the group of extensions 7 5" to limit the outward throw of the arms 82 to prevent. their ends becoming displaced and out of operative relation with the interponents when a selected valve or valves is out of action.

The shaft 84 is provided on one end with a lever 91 connected at its lower end by a link 92, which in turn is pivoted to the end of a crank arm'93, extending from a rock shaft 94. On the opposite end of the rock shaft is a strongly built pedal 95', provided with substantial upstanding flanges 96 to form a brace for the right foot of the operator. This pedal is located on top of the carriage and to the right of the seat so that as the carriage reciprocates the operator can brace himself against the shock, and can, with equal facility, operate the valves to throw selected dogs at the proper time.

As stated, the )urpose of the peculiar shape of the openings through the hubs of the arms 82 is to permit of a movement independent of the movement of the shaft. The function accomplished by this independent movement is important in my selective type of unit control. For instance, assume a selection has been made, and the valves set and the dogs operated, but for some reason it is desired to project an inactive locked out dog, and it is desired to return the dog to normal position when returning those in the selection previously made, the operator reverses movement of the pedal to take the pressure of the shaft 84: from the angular surfaces of the openings in arms 82, then the selected interponent is thrown up toward the stem of the valve, as shown in Figure 11 then the finger .piece of the extension is grasped and the valve is shifted to admit pressure to the cylinder to actuate the selected dogs, and the operator then presses on the pedal and rocks shaft 84 to hold the valves in selected position, the inactive valve or valves having been brought into action, without in any way affecting the valves previously selected. In drawing out the valve, the end of the interponent slips down in rear of the arm 82, so that upon the reverse stroke of the pedal operated mechanism, this valve, with the others, is returned to normal position and correspondingly the dogs it controlled are returned. Suppose, however, a selection has been made and for some reason the operator finds it necessary to take a greater bite on the log with the dogs, then, and in that event, the motion of the pedal is reversed equal to the lost motion between the shaft and the openings in the hubs. which movement in no way affects the selection of the dogs. After the lost motion has been taken up by this movement the operator can, by grasping the finger piece, reciprocate the valve as much as he pleases, or until he is satisfied the dogs have taken the desired bite in the log. Then the motion of the pedal can again be reversed to hold all the selected valves in position to maintain pressure in the cylinders. I

In order that the valves in group 64 can pro erly function when movedto partial stro e position in co-operation with the valves in group 65, the latter are constructed of such length that in either position of the valves in group 64, fluid pressure through the ports controlled by the group of valves willflow to the desired points without interruption. The cylinder e in group 65 carries the valve for controlling the action of the link dog supports. The stem of the link dog valve is operated and controlled by-a'similar extension and interponent, and an arm 82, and may be locked out and operated to control the link dogs. the same way and by the same mechanism employed in controlling the hook and boss dogs. That is to say, when the .interponent is swung to position to be engaged by its co-operative arm 82, and the foot pedal is rocked, the valve will be operated and the link dogs will be thrown into gripping engagement with the log. In addition, the same selective and independent operation described in connec-' tion with the hook dogs is possible with the link dogs, and as the mechanism is similar it is not thought necessary to reiterate the possibilities of actions.

In Figure 12, I have illustrated a modified form of selective mechanism. In this construction, pins 100 are employed to at all times retain the ends of the arms 82 and the stems of the valves which control the boss dogs in operative relation, and the interponents 81 are merely used'as pawls to limit the movement of the valves when making a partial stroke. 'The extensions and their mountings for the remaining valves are substantially like those shown in the preferred form of the invention, except that the abutments 78, and the hinged plate 80 are dispensed with, as to some valves the movement resulting from these elements being taken care of by other means about to be described. It may be stated, however, that in this modified construction, the two groups of valves have different strokes to accomplish the desired result, whereas in the preferred form all the valves have the same stroke.

84 indicates a shaft supported in the frame 63, and mounted thereon is a rocking frame 103 adapted to have a free limited movement and comprising a pair of plates connected at their upper ends by rods 104. Mounted freely on the shaft 84 are two arms 82, the upper ends of which project between the spaced bars of the extensions and between the pins 100 and the ends of the valve stems which control the boss dogs, a bar 105 being positioned in the frame 63 to limit the movement of the rocking frame 103 in one direction. Depending from the rocking frame 103 is a yoke lever 91, the upper end of which is mounted on the shaft 84. On the cross bar107 of the yoke lever are two interlocking lugs 108 and 109, one, 108, being closer to the shaft 84 than the bther one, 109, to effect adifi'erent degree of movement of the rocking frame 103, for a purpose to be described in connection with the general description of the operation.

On top of the carriage, and at the right of the seat 62, is a rock shaft 94. From this rock shaft extends a crank arm 93, and pivoted to the upper end thereof is a link 92 which extends through the yoke lever 106, as shown in Figure 12. The forward end of the link 92 is bifurcated to form a seat for a pair of pivoted pawls 113. pawls are oppositely disposed and are respectively oppositely beveled on their lower edges, and each is provided with an abutting edge 111 adjacent the beveled edge to engage with either of the lugs 108-109. To operate this mechanism to bring into play the group of cylinders 64, the rock shaft flat is 'n'ovided with a foot pedal 95, having a suitable upstanding flange to form a purchase for the operators foot.

Connected to each of the stems of the valves in group 65,, are extensions, similar to the extensions used in connection with the group of valves 64, except that the pins 100 are dispensed with, and interponents are employed to operate similar to the inter ponents shown in the preferred form. These extensions co-operate with a second frame 122, mounted on shaft 84, and include at their upper ends rods 123, and depending from this frame is an arm 91". Extending up through this frame and freely mounted on the shaft 84, are the arms 82 which actuate the valves. To the lower end of arm 91 is pivoted, at 124*, a link 92, which is connected to a crank arm 93", on the shaft 941 The pivot 12 1 is in alignment with the lug 108, so that when the shaft 94 is rocked the same movement will be imparted to the two frames 103 and 122. The rods 104 and 123 are spaced from the opposite edges of the arms 82, to permit of a movement of said arms independent of the movement of The the rocking frames, such movement being about equal to the movement of the valves, while the limit of movement of the arms in a direction-away from their valves is determined by the rod 105.

In the valve mechanism just described, the boss dogs of all knees will ordinarily be projected every time the hook dogs or the link dogs are operated when the pedal is depressed, but if desired the operator may select the boss do s independently as a unit and throw them into or out of operation at will. It is possible, however, to adapt the construction so that the boss dogs of any particular knee may be cut out of operation and obtain the same result as that obtained in the preferred embodiment of the invention, which is merely a further development of the structure and requires but a slight change in the arrangement.

To provide means included in the unit control for tapering the end of a log to properly position it on a carriage the knees are each moved by fluid pressure, wholly independent of the. movement incident to the usual set works. Each knee is provided with a base 116 which may be provided with either the usual rack or screw 14? to receive motion from lheordiuary set works operating mechanism, Each knee is slidahly mounted on the head'block engaging base 146, and pivotally mounted at 148 on the base is a lever 119, which is also pivoted at 150, between the cheeks of the knee. To the .upper end of the lever 149 is pivoted the outer end of a piston rod 151, having a piston 152, operating in a cylinder 155. The cylinder is mounted on a support on the bracketll, consequently the cylinder and its co-operating parts move in unison with the knee whether it be operated by the set works. or by the fluid pressure to move it on its base. Communicating with ports 155, at the bottom of the cylinders 153 are flexible pipes 156, which lead to valves f and 9, included in the group 65, on the frame 63. At the opposite end of the cylinders are ports 157 which are also connected to valves and g to admit pressure to move the knees in the desired direction. The valves f and'g for the knees are as stated in the group included in the unit control, and are operated by extensions and other co-operative elements described in connection with the preferred form of the invention. That is to say, at the will of the operator. a knee or knees may be advanced simultaneously with all or any selection of'dogs when the foot pedal is depressed, or the knee or knees may be cut out of this relationship and remain idle, or, if desirable, they may be brought into operation after the dogs are actuated and are in gripping relation with the log, by manipulating the appropriate interponents and valves.

On the carriage below, and to the left side of and forward of theseat is a short shaft 160, provided with a pedal 161, having a substantial upstanding flange 162 positioned as to be convenient to the left foot' of the operator. Disposed under the forward part of this pedalis a valve 168 in an air supply pipe 164. This pipe branches out in direction of the knees, and adjacent each of the latter are two branchnozzes 165, disposed to blow blasts of air at the bottom of each side the knees and onto the top of the head blocks. lVhen the pedal is depressed the valve 163 is opened and blasts ofair are ejected from the nozzles and, any accumulation of saw-dust or other foreign refuse is blown away to permit the operator to pronerly seat the corner of a cut log square with the face of the knees to insure trueing of the log while sawing.

Up to this time I have described the details of the various elements of the mechanism, and to clear'the description, I will now describe the operation of the separate parts, and will subsequentlydescribe the combined functions accomplished 'thereby when sawing logs.

Boss dogs,

It is, of course understood that as many knees and boss dogs may be employed as may be found desirable, and as the dogs on any one knee are usually operated simultaneously, a description of one will be sufficient. It is also to be understood that the term boss is used herein as relative and for the purpose of identifying the particular dogs shown. As there are many dogs of this general type for holding a log, it is to be understood that the term boss as herein employed contemplates all such dogs. It may, however, be here stated that provision is made so thatif but the dogs of one knee are to be manipulated the operator may do so. It must also be understood that the boss dogs may be wholly or partially projected, so that when a log. is first placed on the carriage the dogs can be driven through the bark and into the wood to insure of a holding grip on a log, or when a sawed surface of the log is presented to the knees, and to prevent mar-ring such surface unnecessarily and yet obtain sufiicient grip to hold, the dogs are but partially projected.

l teferring particularly to the preferred form of the invention shown'in Figures 21 to 27, and assume for the sake of clearness the boss dogs on one knee are to be wholly projected. The operator will swing the interponent 81 see Fig. 9 which controls the valve (1, see Fig. 27 so that the forward edge of such interponent will be in position to be engaged by the arm 82: the hinged plate of course, being thrown up on top of the bar-T9 at this time. lpon rocking the pedal 95, see Fig. 5 through the connections described. the shaft 8i will be rocked until its flat surfaces engage. the angular walls of the opening" in the hub of the arm and then such arm will contact with the interponent and force the extension out. and consequently pull out the correspomling valve to the position shown in Figure 273. The pressure from the valve pas es to the top of cylinder 12, and through the levers described the dogs 5 will be projected to their fullest extent to grip the log. But. suppose the operatm' desires to but partially project the dogs, he then throws the hinged plate 80 down on the extensions 75 so that the abutments 78 in the outward movement of the extensions will contact with it. and so limit the movement of the valve as to 252, with the result that the pressure acts on the top of the piston in cylinder 1;. the same as before described. but be ause of the port 70 in the cylinder being closed by the valve 77, a cushion is formed and the piston bring: it into the position shown in l ip'ure haust pressure behind it passes through ports 68 and 76 to the atmosphere. By a reverse movement of the foot pedal 95, the.

interponent and its extension moves the valve to its normal position, as shown in Figure 21, with the result that the pressure on the piston in the cylinder is reversed and correspondingly the position of the dogs, the pressure in said cylinder being exhausted to the atmosphere through the port 69.

Now assume that all the boss dogs have been either partially or wholly projected by the foot pedal, and further assume the operator finds that the grip is not sufiicient to hold the log, although the latter may be properly positioned. Under these ci r sumstances the footpedal is reversed until the contact is broken between the walls of the openings in the hubs of arms 82, and the square surfaces of the shaft 84, which brings into play the lost motion between these parts. The operator can now grip the finger pieces of the extensions controlling the boss dogs and force the valves a and b .to normal position and direct the pressure to the cylinder or cylinders as the case may be, and thereby withdraw the dogs and then by the same instrumentalities quickly reverse the movement and again drive said boss dogs into the log to obtain the proper grip. This can be done as often as necessary without in any way interfering with the setting of the other valves and parts controlled thereby, a condition which is due entirel to the lost motion between the,arms 82 an the shaft 84. There is, however, another condition possible in the manipulation of the boss dogsywhich at times is important. That is, assume the operator has, in his selection of dogs to grip the log, omitted the boss dogs and subsequently finds it necessary to bring them into action. To have cut out the action of the boss dogs it was necessary in making the selection to have thrown the interponents rearwardly toward the operator to be in position to engage the lock bar 83. Hence, now that it is desirable to bring the inactive dogs into action, to wholly project them, the interponents are thrown forwardly over the arms 82 and the extensions and valves are pulled out by hand and the dogs are projected,the interponents falling in behind the arms 82 to be returned with the other valves. If the dogs under the circumstances mentioned are to be but partially projected, the same movements of operation are necessary, except that the hinged plate is thtown down on the extensions into the-path of the abutments 78 to limit the movement of the valves to cause registration of the ports to partially move the pistons. If this partial stroke sions of the selected valves. This in no way effects the operative positions of the selected and operated valves, as they are so proportioned and arranged as to have a latitude of movement .in excess of the movement necessary to effect proper registration of the ports, to obtain and direct the pressure to the desired points.

H007: dogs.

There may be, of course, a hook dog associated with each knee. The operator ma in making his selection of dogs to simu taneously grip a log, set all the hook dogs to be included in the'selection, or he may somake his selection that but one hook dog will be brought into action after the boss or link dogs, or both, are operated, or he may elect to bring the hook dogs into action before any of the others. These possibilities are all provided for in the unit control and each will-be specifically described.

If a hook dog or hook dogs are to be included in the selection for simultaneous operation of other dogs, the interponents are thrown into position to be engaged by the'arms 82, then when the foot pedal 95 is depressed the arms 82, through the interponents pull the valves 0 and d out, and position them to permit pressure to pass to the top of cylinders 24, with the result that the pistons 23 are forced rearwardly into the cylinders, and because of the floating fulcrum 35, the frame-28 is rocked and throws the hook dogs downwardly in curved paths and drives the spikes into the log, and subsequently pulls the log up tight in a substantially linear direction against the knees, as will be described later on. This action, as stated, occurs at the same time the other selected dogs are actuated. But suppose the hook dogs are to be 0 erated after the selected group of dogs is rought into action. Under these circumstances the interponents were in locked out position against the lock bar 83, otherwise the hook dogs would have been included in the first selection. Now, to bring the hook dogs into action, the interponents are thrown forwardly and over the top of the arms 82 of adjacent valves 0 and d, as shown in Figure 11, and the extensions are withdrawn by hand and the valves 0 and d are operated as before described, and the ends of the'interponents drop down behind the extensions, consequently the hook dogs are brought into action. When the operation resulting from Ill the selection as a unit is completed the valves and a! like others selected, are returned to normal position by the foot pedal to reset the parts simultaneously. Even if a prior selection "has been made, and the hook dogs were included, the operator can manipulate the valves to individually operate said do s. For instance, if in case of prior selection t e hook dogs were not included, and several attempts are necessary to obtain the desired grip, the operator reverses the movement of the foot pedal to roduce lost motion between the shaft an the walls of the openings, and by gras ing the respective finger pieces pushes in the extensions and returns the valves to normal position, and then pulls out the extensions b hand and admits the pressure and again t e dogs are driven into the log. Under these circumstances, the operator ma make several attempts to drive the spikes o the dogs into the log to finally make the grip hold suflicient to pull the log up to the knees, then the pedal is reversed to hold the valves set, and subsequently when the pedal is operated to return the parts to normal position all the valves will e returned. Suppose it is desirable to throw the hook dogs into action rior to the operation of the selection of ot er dogs to hold the log. This can be accomplished in either of two ways. The interponents of all other valves are thrown into locked out position, and the interponents of the hook 0g valves are positioned ad'acent their cooperating arms 82, and then t e foot pedal is operated to throw the valves in osition to direct the pressure. 01' in lieu 0 operating the toot pedal, the operator can ull out the valves b hand and accomplish t e same result, and without releasing the bite of the hook dogs he can subsequently operate the loot pedal'to bring into action the grouped selection of dogs, and when the latter are returned to normal position by reversing the movement of the foot pedal, the hook dog valves are returned at the same time. This same result may beaccomplished by grasping an interponent and elevating it and using it as a handle, to reciprocate the valve. This action will in no wise interfere with the other valves nor with the actuating mechanism while the latter mechanism is holding-the selected valves in operative position.

it is, from a practical standpoint, essential that the hook dogs be so constructed and operated as to swing in a. curved path to cause the spikes to strike logs of various diameters in substantially a linev passing through the center inside of the said path and that such-relationship be maintained to properly bite the log and subsequently hodily move it up to the faces of the knees.

11:: When pressure is admitted to a cylinder 2 the piston rocks the arm and the same time swings the frame 28 on the floating fulcrum '35, and because of the spring 38 and its mountings the dog swings with it in a curved path until the spike contacts with the log. Immediately the spike takes its bite, and as the piston continues its motion, the frame further swings on its' floating fulcrum and in so doing exerts a direct pull rearwardly on the dog, and because of the disposition of the various centers, the frame swings rearwardly on its pivot as shown in full lines in Figure 4, which action materially increases the tension of the spring 38 on the dog and holds the latter in gripping relationwith the log. This action also causes the spike to further penetrate the log and at the same time pulls the same rearwardly on the blocks and into abutting relation with the knees, the arrangement of the various pivots permittin of the necessary yielding movement to o tain the most direct pull of the piston in drawing the log in position.

From the relative arrangement of the parts for mounting and operating the hook dog, it will be apparent that the frame 28 swings about the pivot 35 to operate the hook dog, and that in the initial position, with the dog elevated, the dog is pivoted in the frame and the power is connected to the frame in advance of and slightly below this pivot 35. Therefore as the frame is swung under the power means, the point of the hook dog is at the operative end of a lever of which the fulcrum or pivot 35 is the inner end, with the power operating on the lever or dog between the fulcrum and dog point. As the movement continues, the power connection to this lever or dog moves toward a line passing through the pivot or fulcrum 35' and normal to the line of travel of the ower. Thisishortens the leverage on'the og, causes the power to more nearly coincide with thin fulcrum .or pivot, and even, as shown in Fig. 4, carries this power beyond the line of the fulcrum or pivot 35 to in .efl'ect change the character of the lever from that under which the power initially acted. From this, it will be apparent that the result of the power on the penetrating point of the dog is at its maximum at the start of a stroke and is gradually reduced thereafter to the end of the stroke. As a result of this, the hook dog point engages large logs with greater penetration and power than it does smaller logs, the advantage of'which is obvious.

Link dogs.

ltd

ltd

the log, and otherwise assist in holding the latter rigid on the carriage. In handling large logs the link dogs work in combination with the other dogs, but if occasion requires they can be brought into action independently of the other dogs, and at any time the operator finds it necessary to bring them into use. It must beunderstood that the link dogs move in unison with the knees. Consequently when the link dogs are in gripping action they work in conjunction with the set works. 1

If the link dogs are to be operated together with other selected dogs, the necessary interponent is thrown forwardly to co-operate with its arm 82. Then when the the operator presses the foot pedal 95 the arm 82 acts to pull out the valve e and pressure is admitted to the cylinder 58 and through the connections described the action of the piston rocks the link frame upwardly on its pivot and drives the dogs on the links into the log. If the operator desires to brin the link dogs into action irrespective of t e combination of other dogs selected, he may accomplish the result in either of a two ways. That is, he may reverse the foot pedal and position the interponent so that upon subsequently operating the foot pedal the valve will be 0 ened, or he can manipulate the valve by and in exactly the same manner described in connection with the hook dogs.

In the drawings, I have illustrated a series of hinged links provided with teeth to engage the bottom of the log, but I may employ a continuous chain, operating in the P oove 43. It is, however, necessary that inks of some description be emplo ed, inasmuch as they are s own connecte to and movable with the knees, and when the latter approach the saw-line the links are, because of the continuous groove, carried around the end of the frame bar 44, and awa from the saw.

e character, size, and condition of the log, largely determines the selection of the link do s, and at what (period of time they should operated, an whether operation should be imgrou form, manipulated by the foot pedal, or mdividually operated by hand. In any event the mechanism I have described is adapted to meet all conditions in handling a log.

When a tapered log is rolled upon the carriage and against the knees by any of the well known means employed for this purpme it is essential that the small end of t e log be moved over to approximately line up the center substantially parallel wit the proposed line of cut of thesaw. Sometimes in handling certain kinds and len hs "of logs it is advisable in manipulate oth knees to obtain the desired adjustment, and therefore I. have shown both knees provided with my improved fluid operated means to act on the log; however, as they both operate alike, I will refer to but one in the description to follow.

When the operator notes the shape of the log, and finds it must be tapered at one end, one of the valves is operated to admit pressure to the lower end of cylinder 153 which forces the piston 152 forwardly, and projects the rod 151 which rocks the lever 149, on the pivot 150. As the base 146 is fixed through its connection with the screw or rack of the ordinary set works, movement of the lever on pivot 148 will, through the pivotal connection 150, move the knee 3, and correspondingly adjust the end of the log to suit the convenience of the operator, the whole manipulation having taken place by simply operating the valve 1. To reset the knee parallel with its companion, after the sawing operation is completed the movement of the valve is reversed by the reverse movement of the foot pedal, pressure being admitted through port 157, and the piston, consequently the knee is returned to normal position. The knees are not at all times to be operated at the same time the dogs are thrown into action. Should the operator find it necessary to advance a knee previous to the time the dogs are actuated he can do so by throwing an interponent into position against an arm 82, and thenby pulling out the extension of either of valves f or g pressure will be admitted to advance a knee or knees, which movement will in no way afiect the operation of the dogs previously set and rejected. In either mode of operating the knees, the link dogs are correspondingly moved, so that said dogs will be positioned to engage the log in any position of the knees.

General operation.

From the foregoing description it will be seen that by the arrangement described, one operator, can with ease control the set works and all the necessary dogs to set a dog and log, and can with equal ease taper a lo to line it up; the various movements inci ent to dog ing and positioning the 10 being accomfp ished by fluid pressure on or control 0 but a single 0 erator. It must, therefore, be understood t at by this arran ement the doggers usually necessary to ban le the dogs on the knees are unnecessary which effects a material saving in the cost of sawin and greatly expedites the operation.

on a log is delivered to the carriage, the operator quickly selects the interponents to be thrown into operative relation, and then by pressing the foot pedal the selected dogs are, by fluid pressure, brou ht into action and the log is held in the grip of the dogs. If the log is to he tapered this can be done either helore the select-ed dogs are brought into action, or the taper can be made subsequently thereto, this being determined by the size and condition of the log.

One of the important results flowing from this improvement resides in the possibility of'wholly or partially projecting the boss dogs. While a deep bite of the dogs is necessary when a log is first placed on the carriage, if provision were not made to regulate the movement of the dogs, after the slabs are cut and the flat sawed surfaces are presented to the knees, such surfaces would be so mutilated as to, damage the backing board. This difliculty is effectually overcome by providing the means employed to but partially project the dogs, consequently the surface of the backing board is but little marred, which in large lumber is not noticeable.

it Not least in importance in the unit control, is the air blast to remove the refuse about the juncture of the knees and the head block. At present, time in sawing is lost by manually removing the refuse, and at times it is overlooked which results in a log being dogged out of alignment with the faces of the knees, in which event, not only the board cut is of unequal thickness, but the boards cut from the three other sides will likewise beof the same type. The air blast then, together with the convenient means employed to operate it, I consider of vital practical importance.

Due to the violent shock of the carriage at the end'of the reciprocal strokes, it is of the utmostimportance that the operator be properly braced to prevent him being thrown off. By providing the substantial pedals, and positioning them as shown, the operator can effectually obtain a footing in either direction of movement of the carriage, and because of the lost motion described in connection with the unit control mechanism the pedals can rock within a given range, which movement assists the operator in accommodating the position of his feet in obtaining a purchase to resist the effect of the momentum of his body. And as previously pointed out, the pedals provide convenient means for actuating the unit control which permits the-operatorto have his hands free to manipulate the selective mechanism.

After the log is set and dogged and during the period the carriage is carrying the log to the saw, and while returning for another cut, the unit control mechanism is such that the operator can select the interponents and set them for opera-ting the desired dogs for the next cut, if a change in the next successive operation is necessary. Because of the simplicity of the arrangement of the unit control, an operator has ample time to make his selection of dogsfor the next out, and furthermore if the selection made does not accomplish the desired end when the carriage is at rest, practically no time is lost in selecting any particular valve, so

that the time necessary to bring into action any'particular set of dogs is negligible.

. In the modified form of unit control shown in Figure 12, the interponents are not employed to obtain the necessary motion to shift the operating valves to actuate the boss dogs. In this construction the arms 82 are confined and held against the ends of the valve stems by the pins 100, consequently when a partial movement of the valves is necessary, the link lever 92 must be shifted to change the arcuate movement imparted to the frame 103. Hence to make a partial stroke movement of the valvein this form of the invention, the link lever 92 is quickly removed from the lug 108 to the lug 109, consequently when the pedal is rocked the movement will rock the two frames 103' and 122', but the-throwof frame 103 in this instance will be greater than that of the frame 122, thus the throw of the boss dog arms will be greater than the remaining arms 82 of the control to cause proper positioning of the two groups of valves. In this form of control, the pawls 81 on the extensions are so arranged that when they are thrown rearwardly they will engage the locking bar 83 anzl lock the valves out of action. Aside from this detail the elements of the modified form of unit control all operate the same. That is to say, when the pedal is depressed the links pulling on the depending arms swing the frames 103 and 122 forwardly and the rod 90 engages the arms 82 and abuts againstthe interponents, andthrough their connection with the extensions pull the valves out to cause pressure to flow to the respective ,cylinders. Because of the confinement of the ends of the arms 82* by the pins 100, the boss dogs must be operated either partial or full stroke,

every time the frames are operated, consequently they are not in this instance 'subjet to the same latitude in the selective systern, as in the preferred form. If however,

the operator finds it necessary to eliminate projection of the boss dogs altogether, he can, in case of necessity, hold the link lever 92 elevated and out ofi engagement with either of the lugs 108109. In this event the other dogs may be selected and operated, and later on if the boss dogs are necessary the operator can pull out the extensions by grasping the finger piece. To this extent the system is selective, but not to the same extent as in the preferred form of the invention. Obviously by reversing the movement of the foot pedal the front bars 123 of the frame will contact with the arms 82 and return the latter, together with the. valves they control, to normal position.

The other valve operating devices each.

have an interponent, and by throwing them forward against the ends of the arms 82 any valve or valves may be selected to operare provided for the valves which control the boss dogs. To make a full stroke of a con trol valve, an interponent 81 is thrown forwardly into co-operative relation with an arm 82, the link lever 92 is shifted to lug 108, and the hinged plate 80 is thrown over on plate 79. This permits the extensions to have a full stroke movementsto position the "valvetotake pressiii'to the cylinder12.

To make a partial stroke of the valve, to partially project the dogs, the interponent remains as before, but the link lever 92" is shifted to tooth 109 and the hinged plate 80" is turned down on the extension as shown in Figure 16. In this instance the hinged plate simply acts to prevent the valve being thrown too far when the arm 82 is rocked by the foot pedal.

While this form of controlperforms all functions flowing from the preferred construction, it requires a little more manipulation on the part of the operator, but is nevertheless effective. In this form, like the others, the interponents are employed to lock the valves in normal position and against accidental movement at the same time any and all of the selections described can he made.

The invention is not limited in application to a unit control mounted on the carriage as it is evident such a control may be located at a point remote from the carriage. Any known means for remotely controlling the set works may be,used in this connection, and therefore I have not deemed it necessary to show the combination of remote set works and a unit control to control the operation of the various dogs previously described. In Fig. 28, I have, in diagrammatic form, illustrated means by which the unit control may be stationarily located at a point remote from the carriage. This means is electrically operated, and comprises a switch 200 carried h each extension 200 of group of valves an adapted to coo crate with contacts 201 to energize solenoi s 203, the cores of which are attached to the con trolling valves 201. The contracts for operating the boss dogs (for the purposes of illustration) require two solenoids 204 and 205, the cores of which are connected to a bar 200 attached to the boss do valves 208 sorreshondi g to the stamp 0 Valves The two solenoids are wired as at 209 to contacts 210 and a switch 211 on an extension 212 so that when said extension is drawn out, the solenoids 205 will be energized to partially throw the dogs, and upon further movement the circuits will be closed to wholly throw said dogshas" will be evident from the drawings. e operating means for simultaneously or individually operating the dogs is identically the same as that previously described.

It is evident the unit control is applicable to operate the various dogs when located either on the carriage or at 0. int remote therefrom. Therefore in the c aims, unless otherwise specifically stated, it is intended that the operating mechanism foricontrolii the valves comprehends either location.

he construction of the flexible link under dogger shown in Figs. 17 to 20, is not claimed in this application, but aside from the means for controlling the application of power thereto, the structure is claimed in application, Serial No. 604,062 filed November 29, 1922.

The arrangement of edals to permit the operator to brace himse f and the means for clearin the saw dust is not claimed broadly herein, 'ut in an application filed December 4, 1922, Serial No. 604,866. The hook dog is not specifically claimed herein but in a divisional application, filed December 8, 1922, Serial No. 605,653.

What I claim is 1. In combination with a saw-mill carriage, knees, boss dogs on the knees, fluid pressure means for operating the boss dogs, hook dogs mounted to move with the knees, fluid pressure means for operating the hook dogs, a selective unit control including a group of devices capable of being selectively set to determine which of the fluid pressure means shall be operated, anclmeans for simultaneously operating only the devices set to operate the fluid pressure means.

2. In combination with a saw-mill carriage, knees, boss dogs on the knees, fluid pressure means for operating the boss dogs, controlled to either partially or wholly roject the boss dogs, hook dogs moan c to move with the knees, fluid pressure means for operating the hook dogs, a selective unit control including a group of devices capable of being selectively set to determine which of the fluid pressure means shall be oper ated, and means for simultaneously operating only the devices set to operate the fluid pressure means.

3. In combination with a saw-mill carriage, knees, dogs on the knees, fluid pres sure means for projectin the dogs to either one of a plurality of definite and predetermined distances beyond the knees, and

means for operating the fluid pressure means to pro ect the dogs. 

